{"product_id":"antique-brass-candle-snuffer-with-wax-guard-c-1880-1920","title":"Antique Brass Candle Snuffer with Wax Guard c.1880–1920","description":"\u003ch2 data-start=\"296\" data-end=\"308\"\u003eThe Piece\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"310\" data-end=\"488\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"310\" data-end=\"368\"\u003eAntique Brass Candle Snuffer with Integrated Wax Guard\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"368\" data-end=\"371\"\u003eUnknown maker\u003cbr data-start=\"384\" data-end=\"387\"\u003eHand-formed brass with turned fittings and chain\u003cbr data-start=\"435\" data-end=\"438\"\u003eWall-hung or chamberstick accessory\u003cbr data-start=\"473\" data-end=\"476\"\u003ec. 1880–1920\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"490\" data-end=\"493\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"495\" data-end=\"517\"\u003ePrimary Description\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"519\" data-end=\"872\"\u003eA late 19th- to early 20th-century brass candle snuffer with an integrated wax drip guard, designed to manage both flame and molten wax during extended candle use. The piece combines a conical snuffer suspended on a chain with a curved brass shield intended to sit behind a burning candle, protecting walls, furniture, or altar surfaces from wax runoff.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"874\" data-end=\"1239\"\u003eConstructed from solid brass, the wax guard is formed from a single sheet with gently rolled edges, while the snuffer, hook, and finials are turned components. The attached chain secures the snuffer for repeated use and storage, reflecting a period when candlelight remained a primary or supplemental source of illumination in domestic and ecclesiastical interiors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1241\" data-end=\"1244\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"1246\" data-end=\"1270\"\u003eDesign \u0026amp; Construction\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1272\" data-end=\"1589\"\u003eThe object is entirely brass, selected for its heat resistance and durability. The wax guard shows hand-formed shaping rather than stamped thin stock, and the snuffer cone retains its original proportions and thickness. The hook allows the piece to hang from a wall peg, candle stand, or chamberstick when not in use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1591\" data-end=\"1761\"\u003eSurface wear and patina are consistent with prolonged use near open flame. The interior of the snuffer shows oxidation typical of extinguishing candles, not later damage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1763\" data-end=\"1766\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"1768\" data-end=\"1788\"\u003eHistory \u0026amp; Context\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1790\" data-end=\"2184\"\u003eBefore the widespread adoption of electric lighting, candle management tools were essential household objects. Combined snuffers and wax guards were used in libraries, studies, bedrooms, and churches where candles burned for long periods. By the early 20th century, these tools fell out of daily use and were often discarded during electrification, making intact examples increasingly uncommon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2186\" data-end=\"2344\"\u003eThis form aligns with late Victorian and Edwardian domestic utility design, prioritizing function, durability, and straightforward construction over ornament.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2346\" data-end=\"2349\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"2351\" data-end=\"2363\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2365\" data-end=\"2553\"\u003eGood antique condition.\u003cbr data-start=\"2388\" data-end=\"2391\"\u003eSurface patina and oxidation present throughout, consistent with age and use. No structural damage observed. Brass guard retains its original shape. Chain intact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2555\" data-end=\"2558\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"2560\" data-end=\"2577\"\u003eWhy It Belongs\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2579\" data-end=\"2858\"\u003eThis is a rare example of a practical lighting accessory that documents how interiors were managed before electricity became standard. It functions as both a historical object and a sculptural brass form, suitable for display alongside candlesticks, books, or period furnishings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2860\" data-end=\"2863\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"2865\" data-end=\"2888\"\u003eSources \u0026amp; References\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2890\" data-end=\"3159\"\u003e→ \u003cem data-start=\"2892\" data-end=\"2911\"\u003eWinterthur Museum\u003c\/em\u003e collections and studies on domestic lighting tools\u003cbr data-start=\"2962\" data-end=\"2965\"\u003e→ \u003cem data-start=\"2967\" data-end=\"2999\"\u003eThe Victoria and Albert Museum\u003c\/em\u003e references on candle snuffers and wax management accessories\u003cbr data-start=\"3060\" data-end=\"3063\"\u003e→ Scholarly and dealer catalog references for Victorian and Edwardian brass household implements\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"3161\" data-end=\"3164\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"3166\" data-end=\"3189\"\u003ePrice\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e$75\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3223\" data-end=\"3233\"\u003eRationale:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"3234\" data-end=\"3380\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3234\" data-end=\"3270\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3236\" data-end=\"3270\"\u003eAuthentic antique utility object\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3271\" data-end=\"3299\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3273\" data-end=\"3299\"\u003eSolid brass construction\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3300\" data-end=\"3342\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3302\" data-end=\"3342\"\u003eIntegrated, less-common wax guard form\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3343\" data-end=\"3380\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3345\" data-end=\"3380\"\u003eGood condition with honest patina\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Viridian Eclection","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42870650568809,"sku":null,"price":70.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0651\/0093\/9369\/files\/7E0465FA-EF08-471C-98B2-A3A8CFDDFBFC_1_201_a.jpg?v=1769759121","url":"https:\/\/viridianeclection.com\/products\/antique-brass-candle-snuffer-with-wax-guard-c-1880-1920","provider":"Viridian Eclection","version":"1.0","type":"link"}